Reflection on Service and Experience Design Workshop
As part of academic study in Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology, we delved into concept of Service and System Design. In first hand experience, we explored various tools of Service and Experience Design. After two week long extensive workshop, this is an attempt to delve into retrospection.
In association with Enable India the context of the workshop was
“Envision accessible transportation for persons with disability to gain livelihood and be active citizens of the country”
One day session at Enable India brought forward record of complexities in PWDs life journey towards livelihood. Engagement with peers from Enable India raised new questions, parallel solutions and possibilities of alternate futures. With a limited knowledge on the topic, my perception towards disability certainly changed and added radically new perspective. It is responsibility of society to leverage abilities of PwDs to be socially sustainable. It requires appropriate amount of support and sensitisation among society, educational institutes, governing bodies etc at various levels.
In process of addressing the brief it was striking to know it took India twenty one years to reform Disabilities bill. Types of disabilities has been increased from seven to twenty one. This clearly indicates in process of becoming developed nation, we have overlooked certain important views and opinions for so long.
My three key learnings from the workshop are:
1. Changing System~ A DYNAMIC BEHAVIOUR
In the beginning, we were introduced to Donella Meadows philosophy of Service and Experience design.
“System is a set of interrelated components that work together in a particular environment to seek a particular goal.”
As we moved ahead I was able to see connections among the systems and influence of system’s functionality on each other. So, how do we function together? Naming, labeling, and creating boundaries among elements help us better order and make sense out of it, but at the same time, they also restrict our curiosity to a very narrow angle.
Sharing of vision and building on vision requires equal amount of participation from each stakeholder. System isn’t static, and neither are decisions, relationships, resources and productions. Due to dynamic nature of the system; roles, responsibilities and motivations should refined over time. Speculating limitations and threats by embracing change ensures better tomorrow.
2) Usability Vs Accessibility~ Universal Design
It challenges the system to be accessible by wider range of people. The value of proposition of system will not just serve big and important things, but also proposes focus on seemingly small and unimportant ones. It will accommodate many potential users as possible and bring inclusiveness to society.
3) Social Sustainability
Social sustainability looks at various dimension like equality, diversity, interconnectedness, quality of life, government structures etc. System should provide equal opportunity to all its users and most importantly let vulnerable communities to voice their opinion and equity of access to services such as education and transportation.
I believe, mapping intangible social behaviour of system could give an edge to the whole process in future.
